Show flats often smaller than they look

Oct 21, 2013

PHOTO: Show flats often smaller than they look

I have attended more than a few condominium launches and encountered some unethical sales tactics employed by developers.

Their floor plans are not drawn to scale, and drawings lack dimensions. This is especially common for shoebox apartments, where the space between the beds and walls is often so small that one can hardly squeeze through.

In show flats, developers make ceilings seem higher than they actually are. Sometimes, beds are replaced with mattresses of an undisclosed size to give the illusion of space.

Also, window and wall dimensions are commonly misrepresented in show flats. Some walls "disappear" and half-height windows are made full height to make units look more spacious than they actually are.

I am in favour of more stringent regulation of condominium marketing, so that buyers can make comparisons between similar products.

This develops greater discernment in property buyers, and ensures that developers introduce innovations in their product offerings instead of relying on visual tricks or overly aspirational marketing.